One of the best sights to see in Gyeongju is Woljeonggyo Bridge at night. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

Colorful flowers bloom all over Korea in April, a sign that the warmer days of spring have arrived. Indeed, spring in Korea goes hand-in-hand with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Koreans take pains to see these cherry blossoms in person every spring by traveling to various hotspots throughout the country. One of these is Gyeongju, the site of the ancient capital of the old Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE), and April is the best time to visit this history-rich city at its most beautiful.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom along the road leading up to Hwang Nyong Won (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

Hwang Nyong Won is a reinterpretation of Hwangnyongsa Temple’s nine-story wooden pagoda. The original temple was burned to the ground by Mongol invaders in 1238, the modern incarnation serves as a space for educational and cultural exhibits, as well as a meditation room and training center. Hwang Nyong Won has recently attracted attention as one of Gyeongju’s newest landmarks and is even considered the “greatest place to view cherry blossoms.” Hwang Nyong Won gives off a grandeur that is impossible to see outside of Gyeongju as it combines ancient architecture with paths full of colorful cherry blossoms. 

Visitors can enjoy the serenity offered by the ridges of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

Gyeongju is one big cultural heritage site, which is why it is often referred to as a museum outdoors. Among the city’s many cultural attractions, the Daereungwon Tomb Complex is the largest. The complex features 23 tombs of various sizes, including Cheonmachong, the Tomb of King Michu (r. 264-284 CE) and Hwangnamdaechong, a double royal tomb of an unidentified king and queen, from which some of the most impressive gold and jewel-encrusted ornaments were discovered. Rising up from the ground to create a unique landscape, these tombs house the remains of kings, queens and nobles. Although Silla’s royalty have long gone, their tombs still provide anyone passing by a vivid reminder of the past glory of this kingdom that existed a millennia ago. 

Cheomseongdae is Asia’s oldest extant astronomical observatory. Viewing it during the day or night offers a unique experience. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

Not far from Daereungwon Tomb Complex is the towering Cheomseongdae, a 7th century astronomical observatory. The structure is virtually the same as it was during Silla; the winds of time have left it untouched. Cheomseongdae is best visited at night because its illumination meshes perfectly with the spring landscape. The observatory’s nighttime lighting changes from blue to pink, which serves to make the structure look even more awe-inspiring.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond illuminated by lights in the evening (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

Gyeongju becomes more crowded as the day turns to night because there are many beautifully lit locations, including Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond and Woljeonggyo Bridge. Donggung and Wolji are famous cultural heritage sites that highlight the garden style of the Unified Silla era. Donggung was the Silla royal palace’s east annex which contained Wolji Pond on its royal grounds. Donggung and Wolji become even more colorful when night falls. With stars dotting the night sky, the lights under the eaves of Donggung reflect off Wolji’s surface, making it shine even more beautifully. There is a walking path around the pond, which is perfect for strolling while gazing at the stars. 

Woljeonggyo Bridge was built over Namcheon Stream and once connected the king’s palace to the foot of Namsan Mountain. The bridge was destroyed during the Joseon Dynasty but was restored in 2018 based on historical and archaeological research. Today, the bridge is one of Gyeongju’s most famous landmarks and has become a popular photo spot. Woljeonggyo Bridge is a sight to see during the day and at night. A daytime visit offers the opportunity to admire its architectural beauty, while at night, the bridge’s colorful lights are a feast for the eyes. The bridge is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season but is still worth the trip even after the blossoms have gone: Instead of cherry blossoms, visitors are treated to rapeseed blossoms and bridal wreaths. 

Hwangnidan-gil Street has a whole host of great places to visit. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.)

After strolling around Gyeongju’s serene cultural heritage sites, a visit to Hwangnidang-gil Street is in order. This street, which is the trendiest area in the city, is lined with restaurants, cafes, guesthouses and independent bookstores that have been renovated from old hanok structures. The area is unique as it mixes traditional and modern elements. With so much to see and eat, it’s a great place to take a break from visiting the city’s historical sites. 

All in all, Gyeongju’s sights are best enjoyed by savoring them slowly. Just walking around the city will make you realize that Gyeongju holds millennia of history in its grasp.